“Get ready to escape to two of America’s most diverse and captivating national parks- Congaree and Crater Lake. From the lush hardwood forests of Congaree to the serene waters of Crater Lake, these parks offer a breathtaking contrast of landscapes. Congaree, home to the tallest deciduous trees in the eastern U.S., is a haven for hikers, while Crater Lake, formed by a collapsed volcanic caldera, is a must-see for geology buffs and nature lovers alike. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime, as you explore the unique beauty of Congaree and Crater Lake National Parks.”
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Congaree and Crater Lake national parks offer diverse hiking experiences. Congaree is known for its swamp and old-growth forest trails, like the 2.4-mile King Snake, which showcases towering trees and wildlife. For a longer hike, try the 17-mile Weston Lake Loop in the park’s wilderness area. Crater Lake features hikes around its famous blue lake and nearby peaks, with the 1.1-mile Rim Village Trail offering easy lake views. The hardest trail is the Cleetwood Cove, a 2.2-mile descent to the lake shore with 700 feet elevation drop.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boardwalk Loop Trail | 3862.416 | 3.9624 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Weston Lake Loop Trail | 7402.964 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Oakridge Trail | 10138.842 | 5.7912 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Congaree River Trail | 15932.466 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Kingsnake Trail | 11909.116 | 6.7056 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Congaree Bluff Trail | 3379.614 | 5.7912 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Congaree River Blue Trail | 75317.112 | 1.8288 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield Peak Trail | 5471.756 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cleetwood Cove Trail | 3379.614 | 189.8904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Peak Trail | 2574.944 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Scott Trail | 6759.228 | 383.7432 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Discovery Point Trail | 6437.36 | 278.892 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Plaikni Falls Trail | 3218.68 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Wizard Island Trail | 3701.482 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Sun Notch Trail | 1287.472 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pinnacles Valley Trail | 1126.538 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mazama Village to Rim Village at Crater Lake | 13357.522 | 530.9616 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Congaree National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina has diverse wildlife incl. white-tailed deer, river otters, beavers, bobcats & is a birdwatcher’s haven with species like wood duck, prothonotary warbler, swallow-tailed kite. It has largest old-growth forest in US & visitors can see species of trees like bald cypress, oak, holly.
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is famous for its crystal-clear lake surrounded by a caldera, created by a dormant volcano. Visitors can see Roosevelt elk, black bears, & pikas. Birdwatching opportunities incl. ospreys, ravens, Steller’s jays. Park has variety of conifers incl. Douglas firs, lodgepole pines, western hemlocks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Crater Lake National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Congaree National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
| American Pipit | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Congaree National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Raccoon | Little Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Deer Mouse |
| Red Fox | Raccoon |
| Mink | Black Bear |
| Common Gray Fox | Porcupine |
| North American River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| White-Tailed Deer | Hoary Bat |
| Virginia Opossum | Red Fox |
| Eastern Red Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| White-Footed Mouse | House Mouse |
| Eastern Cottontail | Mountain Lion |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | Mink |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer |
| Feral Hog | Gray Fox |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Wolf |
| Least Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| Ermine |
Reptiles
| Congaree National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Western Terestrial Garter Snake |
| Ringneck Snake | Racer |
| Common Garter Snake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Congaree National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Alfalfa Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Monarch | Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Red Admiral |
| Red Admiral | Honey Bee |
| Mourning Cloak | Purplish Copper |
| Cabbage Butterfly | Anise Swallowtail |
| Checkered Skipper | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Congaree National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Lake Trout |
| European Carp | Silver Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Kokanee Salmon |
| Graceful Catfish | Cutthroat Trout |
| Black Crappie | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Brown Bullhead |
Amphibians
| Congaree National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Congaree National Park is famous for its ancient hardwood forest, the largest in US, with towering trees, cypress, and tupelo gum. The elevated boardwalk trail offers scenic views of the forest.
Crater Lake National Park is famous for its deep blue lake, surrounded by cliffs and volcanic peaks, formed by the collapse of a volcanic caldera. Visitors can drive around the rim or hike to overlooks for stunning views.
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Congaree NP offers camping, fishing, kayaking, bird watching & diverse ecosystems while Crater Lake NP offers scenic drives, boat tours, fishing, winter sports, & stunning views of its deep blue lake formed by a collapsed volcano. Congaree focuses on ecosystems & wildlife, Crater Lake on geological wonders.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Congaree NP in SC experiences humid subtropical climate with hot, rainy summers (80-90°F) and mild winters (40-60°F). Best time to visit is fall (Sept-Nov) for pleasant temp and autumn foliage.
Crater Lake NP in Oregon has a subalpine climate with cold, snowy winters (20-30°F, up to 43ft snow) and mild summers (40-70°F). July and Aug offer clear skies, comfortable weather and recreational activities.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Congaree and Crater Lake National Parks both offer outdoor activities, but Crater Lake is more family-friendly. Crater Lake has easier access to trails, ranger programs, and Junior Ranger activities. Congaree, while offering hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, is more remote with limited facilities, making it less convenient for families. If traveling with children, Crater Lake is the better option for a family-friendly experience.